From best-selling author Riley Edwards comes another, heart-stopping last chance military romance.
After the love of Lily’s life and best friend dies in combat, she struggles to move on – until Carter Lenox enters her life. Carter has a secret, one that will destroy Lily. But when a terrorist hell bent on revenge tries to kill Lily, Lenox has no choice but to claim the one woman he should never have.
Over 18! Bad boy alpha military men use foul language and enjoy dirty talk.
ON SALE $0.99 – Until 8/23
He was my first love…
I wanted him to follow his dreams. I wanted him to escape the life he hated. I thought I was doing the right thing by not telling him how I truly felt. Until it was too late, and my silence turned into my biggest regret.
Twelve years ago, Shane Owings died, taking my heart with him. I was left devastated and broken hearted. Time didn’t heal, as the years went on I only missed him more.
She was my best friend… the only woman I ever loved.
When I ran off to join the Army, I left behind everything I had ever loved. I thought I was doing the right thing, but my good intentions quickly turned into my biggest regret.
Every year on the anniversary of Shane’s death I watched as Lillian Nelson visited Shane’s grave and spilled her secrets to a dead man. Each year I hoped she wouldn’t be back, that her heart would finally heal and she would move on. But year after year she was back. So many times I wanted to reach out and comfort the beautiful woman, but I knew she would never forgive me. It was my fault Shane was dead.
Until… A terrorist shows up looking for revenge.
I had to come out of the shadows and protect the one woman I had no business falling in love with.
Free is a steamy last chance at love military romance. No cheating. Guaranteed HEA.
Riley Edwards is a best-selling multi-genre author, wife, and military mom. Riley was born and raised in Los Angeles but now resides on the east coast with her fantastic husband and children. Her two eldest children have flown the coop and are now serving in the US military. Riley also has a teenage daughter that is the source of laughter and wit around her house. Her youngest son is a “bad-ass” in training and is very much a mini version of his Alpha father.
Riley writes heart-stopping romance with sexy alpha heroes and even stronger heroines. Riley’s favorite genres to write are romantic suspense and military romance. (Those are also her favorites to read.) She’s known for her jaw-dropping plot twists. You know the ones? Those pivotal scenes in a story that when executed so flawlessly it leaves you breathless and begging for more? Yeah, those! She’s mastered the art of blending suspense, romance, and smoldering sexy times. It’s like Criminal Minds, and the Spice Channel mated, and a perfect love child was born.
To learn more about Riley’s books, please visit, http://www.RileyEdwardsRomance.com. And don’t forget to sign up for the Riley’s Rebel’s Newsletter.
Thea McKay likes her quiet, private life well enough. She creates pop-up paper art that no one ever sees, hangs out with her friends and admires men from afar. But then, at a play premiere, she meets gregarious video blogger Duncan Flyte. An incorrigible charmer with dubious motives, he’s handsome, hilarious and overwhelming. When he says he won’t stop showcasing her to his legions of fans unless she agrees to spend seven nights with him, her world turns upside down. The offer is both outrageous and tempting. Those seven nights don’t have to be passionate, but what if Thea wants them to be? Can she raise the stakes with this adorable Scottish import — especially when Duncan’s cheerful campaign to woo her may be just one more spectacular lie that will break her heart?
This is the fifth novel in the award-winning Bohemia Beach series, each a steamy standalone romance set among a circle of young artists in the enchanting Florida city they call home.
Disclosure: I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my sweet bananas! I absolutely fell in love with this book and its cast of characters.
While this is the fifth book in the Bohemia Beach series, it was the first book I’ve read in this series, and by this author. It definitely stands well by itself. No need to have read the previous four books to understand the story. That being said, I now want to read the first four books because the lead characters from each book were in the fifth book and I’m dying to hear their stories as well.
I glanced at the first paragraph and I was hooked. I only wanted to see what point of view the book was written in, as I was in the midst of reading something else. But I couldn’t put it down, I had to to read more. I had to know why Thea McKay thought Duncan Flyte was a ……. nope not saying. Get the book and see for yourself. But be warned. You will be hooked as well.
The story easily comes to life. Plopping you smack dab in the middle of this exciting set of friends, with a snarky, yet insecure heroine, who has no idea why this sexy Scot would want to have anything to do with her. Therefore he must be using her for publicity. Right? Smart guy that he is, Duncan uses Thea’s dislike of being in the public eye to his advantage. In exchange for her spending seven night with him, Duncan promises to refrain from featuring Thea on his vlog every night during that time. Then if at the end of the week she still wants him to get lost, he will. Or course, Duncan is going to do his best to change her mind. Thus the fun begins.
Thea agrees despite her certainty that Duncan will break her heart. Somehow her mouth said yes, while her head was saying, “No freaking way!” It could have been her hormones, and she might have a bit of a crush. One she would deny to everyone, including herself.
Kudos to the author for weaving this tale in a such a way, that while being lighthearted and fun, it also had depth, self-discovery, and enough heat at times to light a fire.
I recommend this to anyone who wants a contemporary love story, that goes from “Hell No!” to “Oh Yes!”. One that will make you yearn for one of your own.
Giveaway in progress. Ends Aug 20th
The nitty gritty on Bohemia Nights
A New Adult/Contemporary/Erotic Romance novel by Lucy Lakestone (Bohemia Beach Series, Book 5)
Lucy Lakestone, author of the “Bohemia Beach” series. Photo by Kathryn Gonzalez
Lucy Lakestone is an award-winning author who lives on Florida’s east central coast, among the towns that serve as an inspiration for the hot romances of her Bohemia Beach Series. She’s been a journalist, photographer, editor and video producer but prefers living in her imagination, where the moon is full and the cocktails are divine. Lucy is also a launch author for the Barefoot Bay Kindle World with a novel of romantic suspense, Desire on Deadline.
The books in the Bohemia Beach Series can be read as standalone romances, but they have connected characters and settings, so you may wish to read them in order: Bohemia Beach (a Golden Quill finalist) Bohemia Light Bohemia Blues (winner of the Golden Quill and a National Readers’ Choice Awards finalist) Bohemia Heat Bohemia Nights
Lucy is giving away a signed print copy of Bohemia Nights and a pop-up card (pictured below) from Lovepop to one lucky winner (US Postal Residents only). Or an ebook of Bohemia Nights if the winner is international.
To enter: Comment separately in response to one or all of the three options listed below . Each question below is worth one entry. Total of three entries per person possible. Winner picked with the help of random.org and will be announced Monday, August 21st.
1) Which book in Lucy’s Bohemia Beach series tempts you the most. Why?
You can find them here.
2) Have you every tried to do pop-up art or have you every had a pop-up card or book? I think they are fascinating, but I doubt I would have the talent or patience to make one.
What about you?
3) Like this post. (Only if you did – If not, tell me what you didn’t like.)
*To comment click on the little message bubble in the upper right-hand corner of this post.
Good luck!
Cruz Zaffino leaves prison after a serving a decade for a crime he didn’t commit. With his life all over the internet, there’s nowhere he can go to avoid his illicit past. Involved with one of Chicago’s toughest gangs, he made enemies bent on ruining everything he has. Nowhere is beyond their reach.
Every day, Rosie Marlow lives with the scars from the worst mistake of her life. It’s the one secret she has in her tiny, gossip-fueled town. When Cruz walks into her bar, covered in tattoos and dangerous attitude, she’s captivated. His rough sexuality makes her melt, and his harsh experience calls to her own broken soul. But her story is private and buried so deep, she’s never had the strength to share it.
She’s the unexpected light to his darkness, yet he knows she’s hiding something. Sultry summer nights in each other’s arms weaken her resistance and taunt her with the idea of forever. But as his adversaries draw close, can she love him enough to let him go?
Disclosure: I was given an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Great beginning to a new series.
Cruz Ziffino has finally been released from a 10 year stint in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Unwilling to waste his time on anger and regret for the years he was incarcerated, Cruz decides a fresh start is needed and with the help of fate or destiny he leaves the gang ridden streets of Chicago for the country life in Redemption County where he meets the sweet, yet sassy Rosie Marlow.
While the two hit it off from the start, the road to happiness isn’t without it’s hazards and obstacles. Cruz might have thought he left his past behind him, but others are not willing to let things lie. Then there is the fact that Rosie has her own secrets. Can she find the courage to open her past up to Cruz? Will it chase him away?
This story runs the gamut of emotions. At times it made me laugh, cry, and sigh, Engrossing from beginning to end, I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read Rosie’s brother’s story.
Sharon Kay writes award-winning fiction and can never get enough reading time. She loves winter and black coffee, and is endlessly inspired to write kick-ass heroines and the men strong enough to capture their hearts.
Sharon lives in the Chicago area with her husband and son, and one weekend the idea for her Lash Watchers and tough leading ladies formed in her head, refusing to stay quiet until she put pen to paper. Her characters tend to keep her up at night, as they banter, fall in love, and slay endless varieties of power-hungry demons.
Sign up for Sharon’s newsletter to keep up with her demons, see early cover reveals and be entered in periodic giveaways.
Love Paranormal Romances?
See Sharon’s Paranormal titles available through these retailers!
Bondage, discipline, sadomasochism… Masters and slaves, whips and chains… What have I gotten myself into?
My name is Remy, Cadet Remy Harris, and I always show the world my tough-girl side — ready, willing and able to beat any guy at any challenge. When I enrolled at a venerable Southern military college, I never dreamed I’d be inducted into the secret BDSM society that pervades the campus and military at every level.
My submissive fantasies explode as I’m drawn into a dark, edgy world of erotic servitude, training and punishment. Each new experience pushes my masochistic boundaries, but the yearning in my submissive soul remains. Though I’m assured the Slave Corps is the be-all and end-all for serious slave girls, my doubts and questions linger. Maybe I just don’t have what it takes for true submission?
Then I meet Him…
Excerpt:
Mistress Janet led me to the circle of chairs and remained standing beside me. “Allow me to present Remy Harris. She has no previous formal training, so please keep that in mind as you put her through her trials.”
Put her through her trials.
Her words jolted me into another round of internal questioning. What the hell was I doing there? What had I signed up for? I glanced nervously from face to face, settling at last on Jacob, who continued to smile his bland, ironic smile.
Was there still time to back out?
Stand and fight, I reminded myself. Never surrender.
Mistress Janet placed cool fingers on my arm. “I believe you are already acquainted with Master Jacob?
I nodded, resisting the urge to say something sarcastic about the precise nature of our acquaintance. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Yes, Mistress,” she said in a soft but steely voice.
“Yes, Mistress,” I promptly amended.
“And this is Mistress Diane”—she nodded toward the woman and then turned toward the other guy—”and Master Floyd.”
Floyd? Who the hell was named Floyd?
Keeping my face military impassive and respectful, I nodded politely toward each of them.
Turning back to me, Mistress Janet said, “You’re here of your own free will, is that correct?”
“Yes, Mistress,” I managed, pleased my voice sounded steady, even if my legs had turned to jelly.
“You are about to undergo a series of trials devised by this committee to determine your suitability,” she continued. “If you pass and choose to join the Slave Corps, you will be admitted as a novice. Based on your predilections”—I must have looked blank at the unfamiliar word, because she clarified—”your sensual hardwiring, you’ll either be trained as a potential slave or a potential Dominant. Watching your reaction the other night, along with input from Master Jacob, we will conduct the trials with the assumption you’re a submissive.”
No point in denying it. Without looking at Jacob, I replied, “Yes, ma’am, er, Mistress.”
“Good,” she said crisply. She took her seat beside the others. “Start by removing your uniform. Then you will kneel on the floor facing us, forehead touching the ground, arms extended in front of you along the ground.”
I glanced from face to face. They were regarding me intently. Jacob’s expression was slightly mocking, as if challenging me to fail.
Fuck him.
Bending down, I unlaced my boots. I pulled them off, along with my socks, and set them neatly aside. Standing tall, I took a breath and reached for the top button of my blouse, willing my hands not to shake. As I shrugged the garment from my shoulders, I ordered myself not to blush.
As their eyes burned into my flesh, I reached behind my back and unhooked my bra. My torso bare, I became uncomfortably aware of my breasts, wishing as I always did that they were small and high, instead of full and large. In spite of my discomfort, my nipples tingled and hardened under the four Doms’ relentless gazes.
With fumbling fingers, I opened my fly, pushed my pants and underwear down past my hips and kicked out of them. I glanced at Mistress Janet, who gave me a small nod as if to say, “Go on.”
Glad to hide my bare body, I lowered myself to the floor and leaned forward until my forehead touched the carpet. I extended my arms in front of me. My heart was mutinying in my chest, my gut clenched into a ball as I waited for whatever was coming next. I tried to take in a deep breath and release it slowly in an effort to relax, but it came out as a heaving shudder.
I heard the sound of a chair scraping back, and then saw Mistress Janet’s feet appear in my peripheral vision. Reflexively, I lifted my head to look up at her.
Mistress Janet placed a firm hand on the top of my head, pushing it back down to the floor. “Stay in position. I’m going to blindfold you.” When my forehead was once more touching the carpet, she fitted what felt like a sleep mask over my eyes.
She tapped my shoulder. “Stand up, feet flat and shoulder-width apart, hands locked behind your head.”
I stood awkwardly, slightly off balance because of the blindfold. Though my heart was still pounding and my lungs seemed to have collapsed, something else was happening too. Assuming that position—blindfolded, naked and on display—brought about that familiar, softening release I had experienced when Jacob had commanded me in his bedroom. As nervous and uncertain as I was, I couldn’t deny my excitement.
I lifted my arms as instructed and stood waiting in front of the four judges, my nipples tingling, my clit swelling. This was it. I was poised at the top of a steep slope, ready to fly down this mountain of adventure. I sensed all it would take was one little push.
“Very nice,” murmured Mistress Diane. “Such supple youth, such strength, and yet she’s every bit a woman, no doubt about that.”
I felt the heat of a flush rise up my neck and into my face, but I stood my ground, clenching my interlaced fingers against the back of my head to keep from reflexively covering my body.
“Too bad she cuts her hair like a goddamned boy,” Master Floyd interjected. “All these GI Janes trying to act like guys. Enough to make you puke.”
My distaste for the man blossomed into full dislike.
“Let’s see how she handles a whipping,” Jacob said mildly, as if he didn’t care one way or the other.
A whipping!
I drew in a sharp breath, my muscles tensing as adrenaline squirted into my bloodstream. At the same time, I couldn’t deny the hot pulse of desire that surged through me as my skin tingled with anticipation.
I heard some movement, and a moment later two large, masculine hands gripped my shoulders from behind.
Author Bio:
Claire has been writing for nearly two decades, and has published over 70 novels. She writes BDSM romance and non-con abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. She has received numerous awards for her bestselling work, including the 2010 NLA-Int’l Pauline Réage Award for best BDSM fiction. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately her work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience.
Welcome to “Crafty Authors Coffee Time with Tamye”.
Our special guests joining us today for coffee and crafts by the beach is not one but two “Featured Authors” for the upcoming Coastal Magic Convention, B.A. Tortuga and Julia Talbot.
B.A. and Julia are here to share their latest books with us and their part in the special craft project Kiernan started last week to raffle off at Coastal Magic for charity. So hang around to see what they’ve been up too.
First off, let me tell you a little about this dynmic duo.
B.A. Tortuga is texan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy’s Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her basset hounds, getting tattooed, texting her sisters, and eating Mexican food. When she’s not doing that, she’s writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting and surfing Pinterest in the name of research. BA’s personal saviors include her wife, Julia Talbot, her best friend, Sean Michael, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to hard-core cowboys to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which was raised in Northeast Texas, but has heard the call of the high desert and lives in the Sandias. With books ranging from hard-hitting GLBT romance, to fiery menages, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head
Julia Talbot lives in the great Southwest, where there is hot and cold running rodeo, cowboys, and everything from meat and potatoes to the best Tex-Mex. A full time author, Julia has been published by Torquere Press, Dreamspinner Press, Resplendence (as Minerva Howe), Changeling Press, and Samhain. She believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, so she writes about love without limits, where boys love boys, girls love girls, and boys and girls get together to get wild, especially when her crazy paranormal characters are involved. Julia also writes as Minerva Howe.
Join B.A. Tortuga and Julia Talbot at Coastal Magic
in Daytona Beach February 2 -5, 2017.
You still have a chance to join B.A., Julia, and more awesome authors as well as some of your fellow readers for beachside bookish fun! Single Day and Combo Registrations are now available, but are limited! Choose the day (or days) that work best for you! We’d love to see you by the beach!!
B.A. Tortuga and Julia Talbot
crafting for Coastal Magic
B.A. & Julia shows us their contributions in the shared project they and fellow Club Raven author, Kiernan Kelly created to be raffled off for charity at Coastal Magic this February.
In case you missed Kiernan‘s video. You can view it here
🎈 New Release 🎈
Calling His Bluff by B.A. Tortuga
A Club Raven Novel
Patrick’s loss is Remy’s gain.
After his twin dies in battle, it’s Patrick Daniels’ duty to marry his brother’s fiancée. Too bad he can’t make himself do it, and in his distress, he manifests a psychic talent that’s stronger than the tornadoes in his native East Texas. Then a mysterious man from a place called Club Raven steps in and sweeps Patrick off to the booming East Coast city of Baltimore.
Club Raven veteran Remy Blanchard sees Patrick and knows, even though Patrick is very ill, that this is the challenge he’s been waiting for. He nurses Patrick back to health, and begins to teach Patrick to control his talent. His methods might be unconventional, and Patrick might be new to the kinds of sexual games Remy knows best, but the two of them find something in each other that might be just as magical as the gentleman’s club where they meet.
Excerpt:
The sheets were drenched, the world a violent place filled with tremors and waves of agony. Patrick twisted, trying to drive himself up, away from the sea of bites that covered his skin. He groaned when skeletal hands reached up from the depths to pull him back down. No. He wouldn’t go back.
Bébé. Bébé, you are a fighter, aren’t you? So strong.” The voice was soft, melodic, welcome. It had a lilt to it that pleased him, soothed him.
“Sing to me?” That voice could draw him up.
“Oh, bébé. I haven’t been asked that in a long, long time.”
“Please.” He couldn’t see the face that went with the voice but he knew it. Hot golden brown eyes, a strong jaw, wicked mouth. Hair like a raven’s wing. It made promises of things that were simply phantasms, but the sounds… Oh. The voice began to sing, a simple French lullaby, but so sweet. His tortured brain held onto the song, the melody a salve.
The grasping, bony hands clawing at him withdrew, and a kinder, warmer pair of hands began stroking his skin with a cool, wet cloth.
“It will be better soon, bébé. Mark my words.”
“They’re trying to drown me. I won’t let them.” Not when he could stay here. “Don’t stop.”
“You are safe from drowning, mark my words.”
“Am I?” He laughed, but the sound was dry as dust.
“I swear to you, by all I hold holy.”
Patrick opened his eyes, relieved to see the face matched his memory, blurry as it was. “You’re Mister Remy.”
“Very good.”
“I don’t feel well. I feel awful and guilty somehow.” He felt as if he’d gone and done something wicked and evil.
“Guilt is not for men like us, bébé. Let it be gone and you will feel better.” Remy stroked the cool cloth over his burning skin again.
“Is it so easy?”
“No, but then again, it doesn’t need to be difficult, either.” The cloth disappeared, and Remy held a glass of water to his lips. “If you practice, it becomes easier.”
The cool water eased him, splashed deep in his belly. He breathed deep for the first time since he’d awakened. “Better.”
“It is.”
The cloths were changed, the cool rags making him gasp. He clenched and unclenched his hands, trying to adjust.
“I know, bébé. I went through just this before I left San Francisco. Unlike you, I did it to myself, no?”
“Why? Why would you?”
“I was feeling guilt. You see? Totally useless emotion.”
“Indeed. Guilt is…” He had so many reasons for it—Henry, Caroline, his father’s eternal disappointment.
“We’ll work on it together. After you heal.”
“Soon? How long can this linger?”
“Not long.” Remy smiled, one hand resting on Patrick’s chest. “Not as strong as you are.”
A tingle made his muscles twitch and he pulled away from the wicked thoughts the dark hand on his chest drew forth.
“Did I hurt?” Remy asked, concern clear.
“No. No.” No, that was a comfort, down deeper than skin.
“Ah, good.” Remy began to hum again, that voice smoothing over every rough nerve.
The peace made him blink, made his eyelids heavy. All he did now was sleep and dream, but he was so tired. Remy was there watching over him.
“Be at ease, bébé.”
You help.” The words popped out, and he tried not to worry about saying them.
“Good. I want to, hmm?”
“Thank you.” He blinked again and again, but couldn’t focus, so he finally let his lashes fall since they were so heavy.
“Easy. Easy, bébé. Breathe.”
“Stay with me.” He shouldn’t ask, but he did. He needed Remy with him.
You can also get it from the Evil Plot Bunny website which offers a variety of book formats.
Andrew is out to debunk Max as a medium, not make love to him…
Max Bellame is working his way through 1870s Baltimore as a medium, even if he knows nothing about spirits. He uses the power of his mind to move objects, convincing his clients he’s the real thing. He’s making a living, but sooner or later he always has to move on. Something always happens. Usually a disaster.
Andrew Meechum works for Club Raven, a gentleman’s club that doubles as a paranormal research facility. He sets out to debunk Max, only to be fascinated by the man. Can Andrew convince Max to take a chance on love, and to find his true calling as a medium, or will their personal demons force them apart?
Excerpt:
The low gaslight in the creaky old parlor cast the perfect glow on the round table, lending atmosphere to the cheap crimson cloth Max had draped over it. A candle or two would complete the look, but he wouldn’t light them until immediately before the family assembled in the room.
He surveyed the seating. Seven chairs.
Max blinked, then frowned. He’d been told five family members and himself. Where had the extra chair come from and why?
He ducked back across the hall into the men’s parlor, where he’d asked the family to allow him to be alone to prepare for the séance. Max took a deep breath, rubbing his fingertips over his watch chain, which hung across his waistcoat. Changing the plan was against the rules. The Marsten family should know that. He’d been incredibly clear. After another inhalation, he knelt beside the large carpet bag holding all his tricks and pulled out a piece of white cheesecloth and a small glass orb. Those would serve as his floating spirit. The glass orb would be far more mysterious than the rubber balls some of his contemporaries used. He needed these and a picture of the deceased.
Many men had tried to debunk the Mesmerizing Maximillian and failed. That was because, while he might not be able to talk to the dead, Max didn’t have to resort to wires and dressed up actors for his tricks. He rubbed his fingers against his thumb, feeling his calluses slide together. Then he stopped, glaring at his hand. No tells. No nervous habits. Get this over with, get the other half of his payment, and move on.
Closing his eyes, he rubbed his hands on his pants, then nodded sharply. Time to set up. Max grabbed some tallow candles scented with a tiny bit of sage, the orb and cloth, and a few other tricks from his bag.
Thank God the parlor was still empty. The family waited in the dining room for his signal, sipping port or brandy in an effort to steel their nerves, no doubt. Contacting a dead relation always gave people pause, and for good reason. Inviting such things into your home, finding out information you didn’t want to know, was always a risk. Even with a charlatan like him, there was a chance of summoning something real. When that happened, if it did, his only backup plan was to run.
He thought of what had happened in Philadelphia and shuddered.
Max couldn’t think of that now. Candles, drunkards’ matches, the orb hidden behind the biggest chair. He placed a few atmospheric touches about, then lowered the gas lamps in the chamber.
Time to go get the family. He needed to lead them in, sort them out so they sat where he needed them to.
He strode to the dining room and knocked on the door, which swung open easily. Clearly the portal was meant to allow servants easy access with trays. This had been a proud house once, beautiful. Now it was run down and sad.
“I’m ready, Mr. Marsten,” Max murmured in a low, respectful tone.
“Thank you.” The gentleman of the house rose, his moustache twitching with distaste. Clearly he was indulging his wife with this séance; the lady in question still wore deep mourning rather than the gray and lavender sported by the other family members, so even though the death had been some time ago, she was unwilling to let go.
A man Max hadn’t met rose from the table with the daughter and two spinster aunts. Tall, broad through the shoulders, he had the carriage of a soldier, not a bit of slouch about him. He held his hat in his hand, and his hair, cut too short for fashion, shone bright gold under the gas lamps. His handsome face creased in a smile, lines crinkling up beside his blue eyes and his mouth.
“I hope you don’t mind that Miss Marsten invited me to attend,” the fellow said. “Andrew Meechum, at your service.”
“Maximilian.” He nodded curtly, noting that Mr. Meechum didn’t specify which Miss Marsten had asked him along. Both spinster aunts and the daughter went by that designation, so the ruse was a clever one, since all three ladies wiggled and fluttered when Meechum said the name. “I wish I had been informed ahead, but no matter if you come with an open mind.” Max gave a strained smile.
“I do.” Meechum spread his hands, apparently trying to look harmless. He managed about as well as a fox in the henhouse. “I am entirely at your disposal.”
“Mmm.” Max turned on his heel and left the room, the ladies preceding the gents as they all trooped over to the parlor. He stopped to light matches, touching them to the candlewicks. One of the spinsters, he could remember neither name, lowered the gas lamps even more, and the atmosphere changed immediately.
You can also get it from the Evil Plot Bunny website which offers a variety of book formats.
Come join us at the Coastal Magic Convention, February 2nd – 5th, in Daytona Beach. It’s going to be an absolute blast. #CMCon2017
Don’t miss your chance to meet over 50 fabulous urban fantasy, paranormal, and romance authors at Coastal Magic! This super casual book-lover weekend happens on Daytona Beach and gives everyone the chance to hang out with fellow readers and amazing storytellers.
LIMITED REGISTRATION is still available! If you haven’t been to Coastal Magic yet, you’re missing out on a lot of fun. Be sure to keep up with all things Coastal Magic, by following it via your own personal social media drug of choice:
Thanks for sharing with us B.A. and Julia. I look forward to seeing you both in Daytona.
Thanks to everyone who joined us today. I always want to know what you think.
What do you do with the swag you get from conventions and book signings? Have you ever used them in a craft? We’re going to be playing “Swag Bingo” or something of that nature at the convention next weekend. Sounds like fun. I’ll be sure to tell you about everything after I return.
Please feel free to leave a comment and a picture of anything you’ve made with some of your author swag.
Welcome to “Crafty Authors Coffee Time with Tamye”.
Our special guest joining us today for coffee and crafts by the beach is another “Featured Author” for the upcoming Coastal Magic Convention, Kiernan Kelly. I’m so excited she accepted my invitation to join us today.
Kiernan’s a very gifted author and crafter and has come up with a very special craft project to share with us later.
For now, let me tell you a little about this creative lady.
Kiernan Kelly lives in Florida among the alligators and palmetto bugs with her husband and a Shar Pei-Labrador puppy who thinks she’s a person (the dog, not Kiernan. Kiernan knows she’s a person. At least, she is after she’s had her daily dose of caffeine).
Kiernan spends most of her time writing gay erotic romance while chained to a computer in the dark recesses of her office, which her children have dubbed, “The Gay Cave.”
Her stories of gay romance envelop diverse themes, varying from paranormal to fantasy, and science fiction to contemporary romance, with thirteen novels currently in print and ebook, and over sixty shorter works available in both mediums. She has published with a variety of houses, including Torquere Press, Dreamspinner Press, MLR Press, Loose-Id, Starbooks Press, Cleis Press, and Circlet. Her horror short story release, “Cletus,” appears in the Coscom Publishing’s book “Bits of the Dead.”
You can also find Kiernan on the brand spanking new Evil Plot Bunnywebsite. Today is it’s debut so be sure to go by and check it out.
Join Kiernan at the Coastal Magic Convention
in Daytona Beach February 2 -5, 2017.
Last chance to get your ticket for the full weekend is January 20th.
Kiernan Kelly crafting for Coastal Magic
Kiernan shows us her contribution in the three-person project she and fellow Club Raven authors, BA Tortuga and Julia Talbot are creating to be raffled off for charity at Coastal Magic this February.
BA Tortuga and Julia Talbot will be joining me later this week with their contributions. I can’t wait to see what they do.
Tony Brazzio, co-owner of Club Raven, Baltimore’s premiere men’s club in 1875, has a pocketful of cash and a chip on his shoulder. He’s out to prove to his co-owners — and himself — that he’s not a fluke, that anyone can be successful give the opportunity, no matter how poor his beginnings.
Bull O’Brian and Dandy Gilroy are two hoodlums from the rough streets of New York’s Five Points. They’re pickpockets by trade, and both possess psychic talents that make them two of the best. When Tony offers to bring them to Baltimore and give them the chance at a life of riches in polite society, they jump at the chance, if only to steal the members of Club Raven blind.
The best of plans rarely work the way they’re intended, and things swiftly go from bad to worse for Dandy and Bull. There’s murder afoot and a detective on their trail, and not even copious amounts of hot, sweaty sex can ease their fear or guilt.
As for Tony, he’s faced with admitting his experiment is a failure, something he’s loathe to do. It’ll take a great deal of persuasion, a little luck, and a lot of lube to make sure his plans for Dandy and Bull become more than just wishful thinking.
Excerpt:
Tony sat on a stool in Club Raven’s huge kitchen. A plate piled high with fragrant spaghetti Bolognese sat in front of him, accompanied by another dish holding an array of meatballs, sausage, and braciole. He held a tiny saucer full of grated cheese, and drizzled some over the top of the spaghetti with a delicate silver spoon.“Mama, it smells delicious.”
A very round woman hovered nearby. She wore a black silk faile mourning dress, and a long white apron. Her only jewelry was a simple gold wedding ring, a broach fashioned from human hair that was pinned to her ample bosom, and a pair of black rosary beads she kept in her apron pocket. Her gray-streaked black hair was neatly braided and pinned into a coronet encircling her head. She flicked her fingers impatiently toward his plate. “Si, si. Mangiare.”
Tony chuckled. “Si, si. I’m eating, Mama. You’re going to make me fat.” He twirled his fork in the pasta and lifted it to his mouth. His eyes closed in near ecstasy at his first taste. Nobody cooked like his mama. It was why he brought her to Club Raven as his private chef. She had a nice little apartment behind the kitchen. This way he could see to her needs, and didn’t have to worry about her living in Five Points, but she could still feel useful.
“Perché hai portatoquei due ragazzi irlandesi qui?” She made the forked sign of protection with her fingers. “Sono problemi.”
“I know the two Irish boys are trouble.” He smiled at her, then speared a piece of sausage on his fork. “I need to make them respectable. Rispettabile, you understand?”
“Stai andando a mettere se stessi in difficoltà, Antonio.”
“I won’t get myself in trouble, Mama. I told you—I’m one of the owners in this place.” He shook his head. Mama just couldn’t believe that her son, poor little Anthony Brazzio from Five Points, could co-own a magnificent building like Club Raven. It was as if Mama spent her days with one eye always looking for the trouble she was sure was coming. “I admit, though, I’m wondering if maybe I made a mistake bringing them here. They’re up to something, I can feel it.”
You can also get it from the Evil Plot Bunny website which offers a variety of book formats.
Come join us at the Coastal Magic Convention, this February in Daytona Beach. It’s going to be an absolute blast. #CMCon2017
Don’t miss your chance to meet over 50 fabulous urban fantasy, paranormal, and romance authors at Coastal Magic next February! This super casual book-lover weekend happens on Daytona Beach and gives everyone the chance to hang out with fellow readers and amazing storytellers.
REGISTRATION is open until January 20th! If you haven’t been to Coastal Magic yet, you’re missing out on a lot of fun. Be sure to keep up with all things Coastal Magic, by following it via your own personal social media drug of choice:
Thanks to everyone who joined us today. I always want to know what you think.
What do you do with the swag you get from conventions and book signings? Have you ever used them in a craft? Please feel free to leave a comment and a picture of anything you’ve made with some of your author swag.
.
The alarm on Victoria’s cell phone goes off. She’s set it to go off every night at eleven forty-five so she can get home by midnight. Tonight when it sounds, she groans and drops her head to my chest in frustration.
I lift her head with both hands and bring her gaze to mine. “I know you have to go, but before you do, one more lesson from the teacher.” I run a thumb across her soft, full lips and then lower my head to allow my lips to take its place. The kiss is soft and lingering, and just as I believe it to be ending, my awkward girl surprises me and opens her lips ever so slightly to allow me to taste her sweet mouth and tongue fully. She steps back even as she kisses me more.
“Mmm.” She breaks our kiss. “I don’t want to go, but I have to.”
“I understand.” I turn her toward her dance bag and give her a little nudge. The last thing I want to do is have her mother get upset and refuse to let her out at night to rehearse, or worse, tell Mariette.
She slings her bag over her shoulder and blows me a kiss.
I catch it. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yes, tomorrow. No boxing tonight.”
“Don’t worry, Miss Awkward. I have no desire to box tonight.”
Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: January 3, 2017 Cover Design: Sarah Hansen, Okay Creations
Fantabulously fun read. Which is surprising, since by the end of the first chapter I was thinking, “What the heck! This guy’s a total jerk! I agreed to review this, Why?” But I had promised to review the book. And I believe in sticking with it, and seeing a book through. Luckily in this case, I was rewarded. Without the author showing us what a total smuck Max Devereaux is. We wouldn’t be able to appreciate how much he has to grow to become worthy of winning the prize. As to what that prize is, you’ll have to read the book to find out what the true prize is.
Even though I couldn’t stand the hero at first, I was pulled in and held captive by the writing itself. As I shook my head over Max’s caveman like behavior, I eagerly kept turning the pages, waiting eagerly to see how Victoria Awkward would reactive to his antics, and what hoops she would make him crawl through to gain her attention and affection.
All in all. I came to love the main characters, and enjoyed reading about Max’s journey down the road of love. There are a few surprises, that give the story a nice twist as well.
I definitely recommend this book to contemporary romance and dance readers and look forward to reading more books by this author.
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
About The Author
Emme Burton is the author of the bestselling Romantic Comedy/New Adult Novel, SNACK, the Better Than Series: BETTER THAN ME (Book 1), FIX IT FOR US (Book 2), and STILL INTO YOU (Book 3) and an author in the #1 bestselling anthology, HOOK & LADDER 69. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her amazing husband and sons, and her “fur boy.” Emme has never, ever been lost in a mall either as a child or an adult. Her mother, and now her family, have always known where to find her. At the bookstore.
This isn’t a novel… it’s not a book of poems… it’s something MAGNIFICENT!
Enter a world of luscious thoughts and decadent desires. Within these pages you will find a momentary escape from the real world as you sink into a sensuous realm where reality, fact, and fiction combine to sweep you away in an unadulterated fantasy.
Why is it called “Not Your Mother’s Coffee Table Book?
Because, the stories and images inside this book are not fit for younger eyes. They are however, meant to inspire your imagination; to take you on a sensual journey into “what if”and “what may be.” It’s a key to the discovery of the soul, a path less taken, a road you will want to travel again and again. It’s something to share with your lover. You’ll want to keep it close at hand. Under your pillow might just be the perfect place!
The concept for SENSUAL SECRETS: Not Your Mother’s Coffee Table Book came to me this Fall. I enjoy writing erotic shorts, snippets of stories, kernels of revelation, simple moments where we can dip our toes into another place, a sensual realm where we can dream and play. Sensual Secrets is a compilation of my sinful shorts, passionate poems, and sexy short stories written this past year, all bundled into a visual feast for your enjoyment.
Ellie Masters has been exploring the worlds of romance, dark erotica, science fiction, and fantasy by writing the stories she likes to read. When not writing, Ellie can be found outside, where her passion for all things outdoor reigns supreme: off roading, ATV-ing, scuba diving, hiking, and breathing fresh air, are just a few of her favorite pursuits.
Wife, lover, and mother are her most treasured roles, but Ellie has played many parts: counter-girl at McDonalds, a research assistant in a Nanofabrication facility, rocket scientist, physician, and now a published author with the release of her debut novel Changing Roles. Ellie is adding to her publications, HEART’S INSANITY: an Angel Fire Rock Romance coming August 2016.
She has lived all over the United States, east, west, north, south and central, but grew up under the Hawaiian sun. Now, Ellie is proud to call herself a Southern transplant, learning to say y’all and ‘bless her heart’ with the best of them. She lives with her beloved husband, two children who refuse to flee the nest, and four fur-babies; three cats who rule the household, and a dog who wants nothing other than for the cats to be his friends. The cats have a different opinion regarding this matter.
Ellie’s favorite way to spend an evening is curled up on a couch, laptop in place, watching a fire, drinking a good wine, and bringing forth all the characters from her mind to the page and hopefully into the hearts of her readers.
99c RELEASE SALE books2read.com/familyfortune Title: Family Fortune Author: Kathleen Eyke Genre: Historical Romance Release Date: November 15, 2016 Publisher:Hot Tree Publishing Designer: Claire Smith
Defying the restrictions of society, Emma Johnston plans to become a teacher and help broaden the lives of young women. Society, her father, and even her own heart betray her and leave her longing for a different life entirely.
After having run up considerable debt, Emma’s father needs her inheritance from her maternal grandfather and he has a plan that seems guaranteed to get it for him, until Roger Starnes steps in and rescues her.
Together, the headstrong heiress and her protector scheme to stop her father and allow her to live her life, on her terms.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Kathleen Eyke moved to Alabama when she was 4. She professes to be slightly neurotic. With a love for history in all its forms, she’s a serious overachiever who does crafts to relax, and for fun and profit. Painfully shy to start with, Kathleen has a wickedly earthy sense of humor once comfortable with someone.
Blurb:
Love is weakness.
Love is unkind.
Love is selfish.
I know better than anyone else. Having made the mistake once before, I refuse to give myself to anyone, body or mind. My heart isn’t even an option. Fresh out of college, I plan to spend my final summer home in the small town of Aurora, New Hampshire with my loving, flighty mother and old friends, my eyes set on the future. That’s before I’m welcomed home by a beautifully flawed drifter, in search of his own. It’s hardly love at first sight. More like loathe. He creeps under my skin from the moment he refuses to acknowledge my existence.
But, it’s hard to deny there’s something in the way he watches me, the way his presence calms and electrifies me, bringing something dead inside to life again. He’s been jaded by his own loss and heartache. It’s burned into his very being.
I want to know Holt Turner—and that terrifies me to death.
Author bio:
Aubrey Brenner is a native Californian who enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their four-legged children. She always had a passion for story-telling and visual artistry. Through her writing, she’s able to showcase both.
Do your past mistakes define you forever?
Author Bio:
Copyright: 
Julia Talbot lives in the great Southwest, where there is hot and cold running rodeo, cowboys, and everything from meat and potatoes to the best Tex-Mex. A full time author, Julia has been published by Torquere Press, Dreamspinner Press, Resplendence (as Minerva Howe), Changeling Press, and Samhain. She believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, so she writes about love without limits, where boys love boys, girls love girls, and boys and girls get together to get wild, especially when her crazy paranormal characters are involved. Julia also writes as 
Books, Coffee, and Crafts News 
